Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi Rush Acquired by PUBG's Krafton, Following Microsoft's Studio Shut Down in May

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PUBG publisher Krafton has acquired developer Tango Gameworks and the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, marking the company's first “significant investment” in the Japanese video game market.

Tango Gameworks, also known for titles like the Evil Within series, was founded by Shinji Mikami in 2010. In 2012, Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media purchased Tango, before it was acquired by Microsoft years later.

Under Microsoft, Tango Surprise launched Hi-Fi Rush in 2023 to great acclaim, with the rhythm action outing becoming a highlight of the Xbox Series X/S catalogue. Our own Ed called the Xbox console exclusive “vibrant and confident” in Eurogamer’s Hi-Fi Rush review.

Hi-Fi Rush and Redfall studio closures signal Xbox Game Pass publishing failure? Watch on YouTube

When Microsoft later announced in May that it would be closing several Bethesda studios, including Dishonored developer Arkane Austin and Mighty Doom studio Alpha Dog Games, along with Tango Gameworks, the industry was rocked. Many were quick to condemn Microsoft's move, with Arkane Lyon boss Dinga Bakaba calling it a “fucking stab in the gut.”

However, Tango Gameworks will live on thanks to today's news that Krafton has acquired both the studio and the Hi-Fi Rush brand.

“As part of this strategic agreement, Krafton intends to work with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks, allowing the talented team to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and exploring future projects,” reads today’s acquisition press release.

Krafton said it will support the Tango Gameworks team as they continue to “continue their commitment to innovation and delivering new and exciting experiences to fans.” The publisher noted that there will be “no impact on the existing game catalog of The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi Rush game” as part of this acquisition.

“This integration reinforces Krafton's commitment to expanding its global presence and broadening its portfolio with innovative, high-quality content,” the release continued. Krafton said the addition of Tango Gameworks is part of the company's “mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.”

Celebrating the news on social media platform X, Tango Gameworks creative director John Johanas wrote: “We're back, baby!”

Hi-Fi RUSH, left to right Korsica, Macaron and Peppermint cheer on Chai.

Hi-Fi RUSH, Chai points his guitar

In June, Xbox's Matt Booty spoke more in-depth about the then-shuttering of Tango Gameworks, and while he didn't name names, the executive hinted that a change in management at studio Hi-Fi Rush was a factor in Microsoft's decision.

“I think the thing to consider is that for us, it's as much a forward-looking situation as it is looking back at a particular game… There's a lot of things that go into making a game successful. You know, what leadership do you have? What creative leadership do you have? The team is the same team that shipped something successful before,” Booty said at the time.

“And we have to look at all of those things together and then ask ourselves: Are we set up for future success? And while there may have been factors and situations that led to success previously, they may not all be in place yet when you look at what you're doing for the future.”

Booty appeared to be referring, at least in part, to Shinji Mikami's departure from the studio last year.

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